More and more orchestras are using music to improve the lives of the incarcerated, young mothers, the homeless, new immigrants, and people with developmental disabilities. The interactions bring new meaning to musicians’ own lives as well.

The creativity and rich variety of American orchestras were showcased in the inaugural SHIFT Festival at the Kennedy Center. In addition to concerts, which featured innovative repertoire, the festival highlighted each orchestra’s community connections.

Summer music festivals are part of the glories of the season for any music lover. But what’s it like to perform at a summer music festival—for a musician? Musicians from festivals around the country share their unique perspectives.

Award-winning composer Andrew Norman: “We have a responsibility to pass on an art form that is broader, more inclusive, and more socially engaged than the one we inherited.”

Happy spring reading! If you normally receive a hard copy of the magazine via the U.S. Postal Service, you can look forward to receiving a copy of the next issue, the summer issue, in the mail in July. Conference attendees will receive an advance copy in June.